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The Republic of Colombia is famous not just for its fabulous coffee and salsa dancers; this South American country is classified as one of the few mega-diverse countries in the world, with so much ecological, biological and geological diversity within its 1 million square kilometres that one can experience all sorts of climates and scenery just travelling from region to region. With sunny beaches, sand dunes, cool hilltop cliffs and valleys, tropical lowland plains and grasslands, snowy mountains, icy lakes and even the humid Amazon jungle, there’s no shortage of things to see and experience in this amazing country.

Colombia is bordered by Panama, Venezuela and Brazil (amongst others), and has a population of more than 40 million. This number, however, is rather unevenly distributed throughout the nation. The country’s official language is Spanish, and travellers are advised to pick up some basic words and phrases before visiting as English is not commonly spoken.

Getting around

When getting around a large country like Colombia, the fastest and most efficient way is always by air - the country’s domestic airlines provide a constant and efficient network of routes through the sky to most major Colombian cities. Though prices may not be cheap, the cost savings in time may prove to be well worth it.

Otherwise, long-distance buses are readily available and go to almost every inhabited district. Do note, however, that many of Colombia’s roads are mountainous - meaning they are narrow, long and windy - so a traffic pile-up could lead to hours of waiting. Those with travel sickness may also find the ride nauseating.

What to see and do

If in Colombia don’t miss a visit to Cartagena, the country’s fifth-largest city and a treasure trove of history, culture and amazing architecture. Head to the Walled City of Cartagena, the jewel of the city’s crown and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its famous Spanish colonial architecture complete with hanging balconies, palaces and monasteries.

But if a thrill is what you’re after, how about an Indian-Jones-type adventure to Colombia’s ancient Lost City, La Ciudad Perdida? An archaeological site near the Sierra Nevada, Ciudad Perdida can only be reached after a 5-6 day hike through rivers, villages and up 1,200 stone steps in the jungle. Though to have been built even before Peru’s famous Machu Picchu, the abandoned city is made up of carved mountain terraces, tiled roads and plazas and was generally forgotten until tomb raiders found gold figurines and other treasures within the ancient ruins. How’s that for a real life adventure story?